USC Tight End Lake McRee Named to 2025 John Mackey Award Watch List

University of Southern California (USC) tight end Lake McRee has been named to the prestigious 2025 John Mackey Award Watch List, recognizing him as one of the top tight ends in college football. The John Mackey Award, presented annually since 2000 by the Nassau County Sports Commission, honors the legacy of NFL Hall of Fame tight end John Mackey and celebrates the nation’s most outstanding tight end.

McRee, a redshirt senior, enters the 2025 season as a pivotal leader in USC’s tight end room. Over his four-year collegiate career, he has accumulated 67 receptions for 704 yards, averaging 10.5 yards per catch, with a longest reception of 34 yards and three touchdowns across 29 games, including 13 starts. His consistent performance and on-field presence have solidified his reputation as a key playmaker for the Trojans.

In the 2024 season, McRee showcased his skill with 24 receptions for 245 yards (10.2 avg.) in 10 games, starting nine. His contributions earned him a 2024 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, underscoring his impact in a highly competitive conference.

The John Mackey Award Selection Committee, responsible for evaluating candidates, includes esteemed sportswriters, college football analysts, and former award winners. Chaired by Jerry Mackey, the committee comprises notable figures such as Charles Arbuckle, Dallas Clark, Lee Corso, Tom Dienhart, Tim Stratton, Daniel Graham, Marc Connolly, Phil Steele, Dick Weiss, and Jake Butts.

The recipient of the 2025 John Mackey Award will be announced at the Home Depot College Football Awards, broadcast on ESPN on Friday, December 12. McRee’s inclusion on the watch list highlights his potential to join the ranks of college football’s elite tight ends and further elevate USC’s storied football program.